Flintoff: No doubts, I'm the right choice

Andrew Flintoff will lead England out at the Gabba tomorrow for the second time against Australia this winter happy to be back as captain.

Flintoff, 29, regained the England captaincy just 10 days after being relieved of the job due to Michael Vaughan's torn hamstring.

Although he had to deliberate over his decision before committing to the challenge of captaining the side once again - initially in the third match of the Commonwealth Bank Series tomorrow - he feels his own game is in better shape to cope with the extra demands.

"There are pros and cons but captaining England means the pros are always going to outweigh the cons," said Flintoff.

"I seem to have found some form and the one thing I had to think about was 'is it too much?' Having thought about it, it is something I feel I can do.

"I didn't expect this when Michael came back, it was about getting it right in my mind and you shouldn't under-estimate what a big job it is.

"We are a young, inexperienced side and I wanted to get it straight in my mind."

Flintoff decided he wanted the job back, undeterred by his leadership experience on the tour so far following the 5-0 Ashes whitewash and was named ahead of Andrew Strauss.

England will be forced into at least one change from the side which secured a maiden tour victory over New Zealand on Tuesday due to Vaughan's absence.

Although Ravi Bopara should benefit from the latest injury to disrupt the squad as first replacement called up - when Kevin Pietersen succumbed to a broken rib - fellow new boy Mal Loye would offer some explosive power at the top of the order.

Thirty-four-year-old Loye has been playing as overseas professional with Auckland in New Zealand's domestic competition and made the three-hour flight to Australia last night.

With batting cover for the top six one area of the squad open to debate, there are chances for people to make a late bid for the World Cup.

Loye might have been heading to the Caribbean with Ireland, due to his parentage but spurned any thoughts of doing so, after initial advances.

"An inquiry was made as I have Irish parents but I have been brought up through the system, born and bred in England, and I have always wanted to play for my country," he said.

"I am very proud of my parents obviously and it was an option at the back of my mind to play for Ireland but ultimately I have played for England Under-19s and been through the system and if I play tomorrow or in the next few games it is the ultimate for me."

England have employed two spinners in their opening matches of the triangular tournament but the management will consider drafting in an extra pace bowler at a ground which now houses Australia's fastest pitches and can favour swing.